Beastie Boys

A concise musical biography traces the Beastie Boys' story from the New York punk scene through a blockbuster career that spans more than 20 years.
Ever since they hit the big time with their 1986 rock/rap debut Licensed to Ill, the first rap album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200, the Beastie Boys have been a cultural bellwether, the likes of which was unseen before or since. Their association with MTV made the Beasties instant poster children for an unprecedented phase of integration, both musical and racial. Their music, a pastiche of sounds that spans decades and genres, influenced the course of popular music and continues to do so today.

Beastie Boys: A Musical Biography tells the story of the band, from its beginnings through its ongoing critical and commercial success. Fans can read about the group's origins, the training of its members, its awards and accomplishments, and its influence on pop culture. Authoritative yet concise, this lively overview covers everything from the band's unique sound to their collaborations with leading filmmakers on their award-winning videos.

Series Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Timeline
Chapter 1 To the Five Boroughs: A Brief, Pre-Beastie History of Hip-hop and Punk Rock in New York City
Chapter 2 Some Old Bullshit: The Beasties Come Together
Chapter 3 No Sleep till Brooklyn: The Beastie Boys Are Licensed to Ill, the Rest of the World Is Appalled
Chapter 4 Drivin' around Hollywood: The Beasties Retreat to Paul's Boutique
Chapter 5 Time for Livin': The Beastie Boys Get Taken Seriously without Getting Serious
Chapter 6 Ya Can't, Ya Won't, Ya Don't Stop: The Beasties' Extracurricular Activities
Chapter 7 Never Let Ya Down with the Stereo Sound: The Beastie Boys Are the Biggest Band on the Planet
Chapter 8 Ain't Nothin' But a Good Groove: Beastie Boys as Elder Statesmen
Selected Discography
Bibliography
Index